New blogs focus on health issues and the genesis of current news stories
SAN FRANCISCO, April 18, 2012 — KQED announced today the launch of two new blogs that are part of its continuing work to serve the information needs of its community. The two blogs, "State of Health” and “KQED's Lowdown,” also will expand KQED's growing news presence around issues of importance for the people of California.
“State of Health,” which you can find at KQEDnews.org, explores how the health care challenges facing the country are impacting California. It looks at the reasons behind soaring insurance costs and increasing chronic illness while bringing you stories of challenge and change in the Golden State. “State of Health” Editor Lisa Aliferis said the blog brings attention to issues often overlooked by the media in health care coverage.
“Too often, health news focuses on what individuals can do to improve their health, while overlooking the wide discrepancies in people's immediate communities,” she said. “'State of Health'” looks at public health efforts and policy starting to turn the tide of the many health problems plaguing us today.”
KQED also is giving the community a new perspective through “KQED's Lowdown,” a blog which can be found at KQED.org/education. Educational, explanatory, and entertaining in scope, “KQED's Lowdown” helps demystify the causes and significance of some of the major trends and issues that impact the lives of Californians. It helps fill in the holes of news stories, examining the intersecting variables at play.
“It attempts to provide clear-cut, relevant answers that can broaden readers' grasp and appreciation of the issues,” said KQED Supervisor of News Education Matthew Green. “We'll be delivering a better understanding of news to dual audiences, educators and high school students as well as the general public.”